Cook Islands Transport and Climate Profile 2026
Outline
COOK ISLANDS
TRANSPORT AND CLIMATE PROFILE
Supported by:
Transport and Climate Change
Transport Energy Consumption
Adaptation and Resilience
Other Externalities
Vehicle Fleet
Urban Transport
Transport Investments
Transport and Climate Policy Documents
Distribution of Transport and Climate Policy Measures in Policy Documents
National Policy Priorities on Transport
Direct GHG Targets
Indirect Transport Climate Change Targets
Transport and Climate Policy Measures
These tables list the policy measures that relate to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector that had been identified in the transport policy documents.
Active mobility - General
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Invest in safe, connected footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and cycleways across urban and rural areas. | x | x |
Active transport infrastructure expansion and improvement
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Invest in walkable, shaded, and safe footpaths and cycling infrastructure. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Area Upgrade with Footpaths | x |
Airport infrastructure improvement
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Tar sealing of selected Northern Group runways to permit larger aircraft operations | x | ||||
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | airport improvement. The aim is to have an airport that is compliant to international standards and meets the country and the industry's future needs. There are two broad workstreams with the compliance works currently in progress and then on essential work around reconfiguring airport facilities likely pushed towards the end of the NIIP period. | x |
Aviation improvements - General
| National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2020 | 2016 | ensure that all people in the Cook Islands have adequate and reliable transport via shipping and air links | x |
Aviation safety
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | strengthening maritime and aviation safety | x |
Battery life cycle management
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Raise awareness of Advance Recovery Disposal Fee (ARDF) and integrate battery and EV end-of-life management. Implement and monitor the Advance Recovery Disposal Fee (ARD F) scheme inclusive of recycling and disposing of electric vehicle batteries and restoring baling/export operations | x |
Bus fleet renewal
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Support investments in accessible bus fleets with low floors, ramps, air-conditioning, and secure seating. | x |
Bus route and service improvement
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Extend bus services to the Ara Metua and expand increase the frequency of both clockwise and anticlockwise services. Introduce on-demand shuttle services and explore mobile essential services (e.g. banking, healthcare). | x |
Capacity building - General
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | we will look to secure additional grant financing to support the Cook Islands' recovery from the severe economic impacts of COVID-19, invest in quality public infrastructure under the Infrastructure Trust Fund, and support skills building | x |
Climate-informed design standards
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Require climate impact assessments for all new roads and upgrades. | x |
Data collection and repositories - General
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Update the national vehicle fleet database and reporting requirements | x |
Development of shipping/ maritime/ inland water transport (IWT) plan/ policy
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Implement Shipping Roadmap actions to ensure the sustainable, safe, reliable and affordable provision of inter-island shipping | x |
Development of transport asset management plan/policy
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Develop a work plan for implementing ongoing road maintenance | x |
Driver licensing
| Transport Licensing Act | 1967 | Transport Licensing Act | x |
EV - General
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Pilot public sector fleet conversion, then extend to rental and private fleets. | x |
EV in public transport
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Pilot public sector fleet conversion, then extend to rental and private fleets. | x |
Education and behavior change - General
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Promote community awareness of road safety policy, legislative, and regulations. Establish a communication strategy to promote road safety. Incorporate road safety in education curricula. Raise road user awareness of different road safety codes such as e.g. left hand driving in the Cook Islands | x |
Energy efficient vehicle incentives excl. EVs
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Explore revised vehicle fee structures to promote affordable and equitable access, including incentives for low-emission and smaller vehicles (e.g. motorcycles). Incentivise public transport use with insentives for students, retirees, and people with disabilities. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands NDC | 2016 | Cook Islands is looking to embrace proven low carbon transport technologies and is currently exploring the most effective incentives for promotion of transition towards clean energy transportation | x |
Excavation/dredging
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Improve access and dredging, and assess viability of installing permanent buoys to assist the safe anchoring of vessels during rough weather, | x |
Green roads program
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Use geographical mapping tools to identify high crash risk areas and implement setting-specific traffic calming measures, and safe pathways for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Establish area-specific speed limits and signage. | x |
Green shipping program
| Prevention of Marine Pollution Act | 1998 | Discharge of oil or pollutants into Cook Islands Waters (1) No oil or any pollutant shall be discharged or allowed to escape from a vessel or platform into Cook Islands waters. Discharge of garbage and sewage from ships and platforms - (1) No garbage or sewage shall be discharged or allowed to escape from a vessel or platform in Cook Islands Waters. Equipment to deal with pollution - (1) The Secretary may designate the Principal Surveyor or other Surveyors to carry out inspections on board vessels and platforms to determine the adequacy and appropriateness of equipment carried on board to deal with waste or other matter, and may charge such fees as are reasonable to cover the cost of such inspection. (2) For the purpose of cleaning up or removing or dispersing any pollutant in or on the sea, all vessels and platforms shall carry adequate and appropriate equipment as required by international and regional standards in quantities determined by the Principal Surveyor. | x |
Incentives for EVs and components
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Encourage uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles through targeted tax reform and incentives. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Consider introduction of tax and licencing arrangements that support the importation and use of low carbon transport | x |
Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Wharf Upgrade | x |
Investment required for specific projects
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | Increased investment in construction and maintenance of priority resilient public infrastructure, including ICT infrastructure. | x |
Maritime Safety
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Improve access and dredging, and assess viability of installing permanent buoys to assist the safe anchoring of vessels during rough weather, | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | strengthening maritime and aviation safety | x | ||||
| Maritime Transport Policy | 2014 | Effective national law and safety management systems for small commercial vessels. We will advise Government and facilitate the provision of expert maritime advice with regard to safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transportation to and from the Pa Enua. | x |
Micromobility - General
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Establish and promote e-bike, scooter, and carsharing platforms in both urban and Pa Enua areas. Ensure micro-mobility devices (e.g. e-scooters) are registered and included in road safety policy | x |
National speed law
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Review and update speed limits. Develop and introduce a guideline for establishing safe speed limits. | x |
Nature-based solutions
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Prioritise nature-based solutions (e.g. vegetation buffers, raised roads, shade and, beautification schemes). | x |
Parking measures - General
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Identify ‘no parking' areas Assign dedicated ‘bus and taxi bay' areas | x |
Public transport improvement - General
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Develop and promote reliable and affordable public transport options for Rarotonga and selected Pa Enua. Improve accessibility and safety of public transport — including bus and bus stop design, service schedules, and infrastructure. Introduce on-demand shuttle services and explore mobile essential services (e.g. banking, healthcare). Promote best-practice bus stop design, placement, and safety infrastructure. Engage villages to co-design innovative and culturally appropriate bus stops. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Determine opportunities for improving public transportation networks. | x |
Public transport pricing
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Introduce fare subsidy schemes for vulnerable populations, free fares for children, retirees and people with disabilities. Promote the school bus service by considering reduced or free fares for students. Promote bus fare subsidy for large scale events to discourage individual vehicle use. | x |
Public transport safety
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Improve accessibility and safety of public transport — including bus and bus stop design, service schedules, and infrastructure. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Review and improve road safety-related policy and legislation. Review and update the road safety requirements for new business licenses in particular for those involved in carrying passenger s or heavy loads. Explore options for motorbike restraints Investigate legislative measures for the compulsory use of safety equipment for passengers on back tray of four wheel drive trucks | x |
Renewable energy
| Cook Islands NDC | 2016 | 50% of islands transformed from diesel based to renewable sourced electricity by 2015, to 100% coverage by 2020 |
Reporting, transparency, feedback mechanism
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Design protocols and processes to evaluate road safety outputs, and outcomes Establish systematic reporting mechanisms Establish a framework to capture input from the community | x |
Research in transport sector
| Maritime Transport Policy | 2014 | We will work with Government to ensure that the Maritime Division of the Ministry of Transport is well resourced to carry out its regulatory functions and powers | x |
Resilient transport infrastructure
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | The Cook Islands builds additional resilient public infrastructure, and leverages the benefits of improved connectivity. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Harbor Climate Resilience | x |
Road infrastructure expansion
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Aroko Road Widening Project | x |
Road safety improvement - General
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Bridge Replacement. Road Safety Improvements. | x |
Road surfacing
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Road Resurfacing and Rehabilitation | x |
Routine transport asset maintenance
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Roads Planned Periodic Maintenance | x |
Shared mobility - General
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Establish and promote e-bike, scooter, and carsharing platforms in both urban and Pa Enua areas. Support workplace travel change programs (e.g., bike fleets, executive leadership by example). | x |
Shipping improvement - General
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Improve access and dredging, and assess viability of installing permanent buoys to assist the safe anchoring of vessels during rough weather, | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | strengthening maritime and aviation safety | x | ||||
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Marina Extension. Jetty Construction. Harbor Upgrade. Harbor Improvement. | x | ||||
| Maritime Transport Policy | 2014 | Effective national law and safety management systems for small commercial vessels. We will advise Government and facilitate the provision of expert maritime advice with regard to safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transportation to and from the Pa Enua. | x |
Shipping port infrastructure improvements
| Maritime Transport Policy | 2014 | 6.1 We shall work with the port authority to ensure that ongoing safe management of the ports of Avatiu and Aitutaki is carried out under an internationally recognised risk assessment and safety management system 6.2 We shall work with the port authority to introduce regulations, to international standards, for the safe pilotage of ships in the port of Avatiu | x |
Stakeholder involvement - General
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Clarify road safety stakeholder regulatory roles and responsibilities. Establish periodic communication with road safety stakeholders | x |
Technical standards for general transport infrastructure
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Ensure all vehicles comply with the Warrant of Fitness requirements as well as the purpose they are licensed for Ensure all vehicles have baseline safety features such as functioning brakes and protective devices such as seatbelts Work towards establishing international minimum vehicle and protective standards. Advocate compulsory use of approved vehicle safety equipment | x |
Technical standards for road infrastructure
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | a. Ensure road engineering is evidence-based, and considers relevant international transport standards. Ensure the design of road signage, barriers, and footpaths considers relevant international transport standards. Ensure road markings adopt international standards and responsive to availability of road space. | x |
Technical standards for vehicles
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Review and update national vehicle standards. Explore measures to reduce the engine rating of motorbikes as a means to reducing speed. Ensure all vehicles comply with the Warrant of Fitness requirements as well as the purpose they are licensed for Ensure all vehicles have baseline safety features such as functioning brakes and protective devices such as seatbelts Work towards establishing international minimum vehicle and protective standards. Advocate compulsory use of approved vehicle safety equipment | x |
Technologies to improve public transport service
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Provide free WiFi and integrate real-time information systems to enhance rider experience | x |
Training of enforcement authorities
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Increase the presence and effectiveness of enforcement agencies. Increase capacity for road safety legislation enforcement | x |
Transport Laws and Regulations- General
| Maritime Transport Policy | 2014 | We will ensure that the Cook Islands national maritime law required by international instruments is effective, up-to-date and capable of enforcement. | x | ||||
| Maritime Transport Act 2008 | 2008 | COOK ISLANDS MARITIME TRANSPORT ACT 2008 | x | ||||
| Civil Aviation Act 2002 | 2002 | Civil Aviation Act | x | ||||
| Importation of Motor Vehicles Act 1997 | 1997 | An act to provide for the importing of motor vehicles for govt. use during the South Pacific Forum | x | ||||
| Motor Vehicle Dealers Act | 1986 | Motor vehicle dealers Act | x |
Transport access improvement - General
| National Sustainable Development Plan 2016-2020 | 2016 | ensure that all people in the Cook Islands have adequate and reliable transport via shipping and air links | x |
Transport asset management - General
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | Increased investment in construction and maintenance of priority resilient public infrastructure, including ICT infrastructure. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021 | 2021 | Mangaia Road Upgrades. Miscellaneous Bridge Upgrades. | x | ||||
| Cook Islands Road Safety Strategy 2020 | 2016 | Determine funding and resourcing requirements for priority areas including ongoing road maintenance | x |
Transport finance - General
| Cook Islands Four Year Plan | 2021 | we will look to secure additional grant financing to support the Cook Islands' recovery from the severe economic impacts of COVID-19, invest in quality public infrastructure under the Infrastructure Trust Fund, and support skills building | x |
Transport international conventions - General
| Prevention of Marine Pollution Act | 1998 | Thefollowing International Maritime Conventions are adopted into and have the force of law in the Cook Islands: (a) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973; and the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 (MARPOL 73/78); (b) Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972 (The London Dumping Convention); (c) Convention for the Protection of the natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region 1986 (SPREP Convention), including the - (i) Protocol for the Prevention by Pollution of the South Pacific Region by Dumping, 1986; (ii) Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution Emergencies in the South Pacific Region; (d) International Convention relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of Oil Pollution Casualties (1969); and the Protocol relating to Intervention on the High Seas in cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973; (e) International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 and the 1976, 1984 and 1992 Protocols to the Civil Liability Convention (CLC 1969); and (f) International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation of Oil Pollution Damage, 1976,1984 and the 1992 Protocols to the Fund Convention (FUND 1971); (5) The following International Maritime Conventions are adopted into and have the force of law in the Cook Islands, but only to the extent that the provisions apply to the Cook Islands: (a) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, (SOLAS 1974) and its Protocol of 1978, articles, annex and certificates, and any amendment thereto; (b) International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, (STCW 1978) as amended in 1995, (STCW-95) and any subsequent amendments thereto. Dumping or incinerating without a permit - (1) No wastes or other matter in whatsoever form or condition shall be dumped from a vessel or platform into Cook Islands waters except as specified under Article IV of the London Dumping Convention. | x |
Vehicle efficiency standards
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Introduce emissions standards and update the vehicle classification system. | x |
Vehicle roadworthiness laws and regulations
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Review import restrictions on older vehicles to ensure quality vehicles are being imported. | x |
Vehicle scrappage scheme
| Cook Islands Land Transport Policy 2025 - 2035 | 2025 | Raise awareness of Advance Recovery Disposal Fee (ARDF) and integrate battery and EV end-of-life management. Support safe and affordable removal of abandoned and expired vehicles, particularly second-hand imports from Rarotonga. | x | x |
Vehicle taxes
| Cook Islands Economic Development Strategy 2030 | 2021 | Consider introduction of tax and licencing arrangements that support the importation and use of low carbon transport | x | ||||
| Cook Islands NDC | 2016 | Customs Tariff Act 2012 establishes noteworthy duty rates on the importation of motor vehicles | x | ||||
| Importation of Motor Vehicles Act 1997 | 1997 | exemption from import duty, levy or taxation for the vehicles imported under this Act | x |
Vessel scrappage and retrofit
| Maritime Transport Act 2008 | 2008 | PART 11 SALVAGE | x |
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